Currently listening to: "Everything" by Alanis Morissette (for possibly the twentieth time)
Current weather conditions: Chilly, with that sporadic rain that doesn't do anything, periods of sunshine
If you're anything like me, you will have gobbled this film up upon first hearing about it. Much like Jurassic Park, Titanic and Black Beauty, it is one of those that has been carved out of a book you treasure, or time itself, and made somehow... tangible. Touchable.
My favorite shot from the film. Jodie Foster stars as Dr. Eleanor Arroway in Contact
Contact was first published in 1985. It began as a film treatment he started with his wife, Ann Druyan, in 1979, and was lined up with Warner Bros. but unfortunately got stuck in development hell. In the meantime Sagan published it in novel form, and then, years later in 1996, it was resurrected at last by Warner Bros., and adapted into film with Sagan's help, who unfortunately died three months into production, and never saw the film released into theatres.
Sagan was primarily a scientist who loved the stars. But he was also a brilliant storyteller: he was able to adapt his love of science and astronomy into a story that drew in millions of readers and movie-watchers all over the world.
According to the Providence Journal, Ellie's character was based on real-life SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) Research Director Jill Tarter.
"Carl Sagan wrote a book and Warner Brothers made a movie about a woman who does what I do. I've experienced much of what Ellie Arroway did, including the death of my father when I was young and the termination of government funding - unfortunately I have not yet detected a signal." -- Jill Tarter.
I think sometimes, it's just nice to know that other people feel as passionate about possibility as I do.
I don't think I'll ever look at the stars the same way again.*
Enjoy your Saturday!
*WARNING: SPOILER ALERT! IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE FILM OR READ THE BOOK YET, PLEASE AT LEAST HESITATE BEFORE READING THE COMMENTS BELOW. OR DON'T READ THEM, IT'S UP TO YOU. DOESN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO ME, BUT, YOU KNOW. JUST SAYIN'.
Loved this film. Must have seen it 3 times at least. My favorite bit is when she see her dad after hurtling through time and space,the one thing in her lfe she really wanted. Jodie foster was great as Ellie. It is true though if you keep striving for your dream one day it will become reallity, eg I now have one lovely daughter in law and 2 more very soon. x
ReplyDeleteMe too! I love how it's about one thing but it's REALLY about another.
DeleteYou are right - each day opens up before us like a great book. x x *hugs*